I was at a depression support group. It
was the week after Thanksgiving. As usual we went around the table
checking up with each member. The questions asked were how are you
doing and how was your Thanksgiving? When we got to Marcus, there
was a moment of silence. Marcus had been coming to the group for
quite some time always expressing the loneliness he felt. Events in
his past had led him to be a cast out in the community where he
lived. Most of his family had ceased having anything to do with him.
He had gone through a rough spell where it was necessary for his
sister to sell his ailing mother’s home to provide for her care,
which left him homeless. He didn’t have a job or a source of
outcome. He didn’t have any friends or family.
When Marcus began to speak, he said, ‘I
don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me, but, My mother died
Thanksgiving day.’ He paused and while starting to tear up
continued,' I loved mother and she was the only one who believed
in me when everyone else gave up on me. I should be sad and I am
going through the emotions that one expects when something of this
magnitude happens. When she died I had just spoken to her. All of her
family was at her side. Everyone was crying as might be expected, but
everyone in the room was embracing each other. It was as if her death
brought us back together.'
'In the days after my mom’s death I
have reconnected with my sister who told me she loves me, and my
nieces and nephews who I haven’t had much contact with, who are
vibrant, enthusiastic, compassionate and caring people. After we
gathered at grave site all my family and my mother’s friends
convened at the Second Baptist Church where there was a feast out
together by church members and fellowship. In the days since the
funeral I have kept in contact with new friends and family.
Re-connected! It’s as if with my mother’s death one door closed,
but anther door opened.'
